From left to right: Alea Cot, Asstistant Vice President for International Education, Gordon "Nick" Mueller, Program Founder and current CEO of the National World War II Museum, and Irene Ziegler, Program Director of the Innsbruck International Summer School.

A letter from the program director

“A journey of a thousand miles must begin with a single step.” – Lao Tzu

Congratulations! The first step is made! Your student has expressed interest in our program, has considered the possibility of studying abroad, or has already applied to the Innsbruck Summer School. Now the journey can begin – and what a journey it will be!
First, I would like to thank you, the parent, for taking an interest in your child’s plan to study with us in Innsbruck , and for your support along the way. On our end, we will do our best to help you navigate the rest of the journey – before, during, and after Innsbruck. Every member of the team here is very proud to be part of this program. We take pride in its long-standing history, its academic excellence that has been maintained for over 35 years, and in being part of the “Innsbruck family” that has affected and changed so many lives. To read the entire letter, please click here.

Here is a good article about parents who are worried about their kids studying abroad. It was published by Jesse Beck in "Go Overseas."

A few guidelines on how parents should be involved in their kids' plans to study abroad:

Parents/guardians/families should:

1.) Be informed about and involved in the decision of the participant to enroll in a particular program.
2.) Obtain and carefully evaluate participant program materials, as well as related health, safety, and security information.
3.) Discuss with the participant any of his/her travel plans and activities that may be independent of the study abroad program.
4.) Engage the participant in a thorough discussion of safety and behavior issues, insurance needs, and emergency procedures related to living abroad.
5.) Be responsive to requests from the program sponsor for information regarding the participant.
6.) Keep in touch with the participant.
7.) Be aware that the participant rather than the program administration may most appropriately provide some information.